This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Candlewick Press.
I grew up with wonderful parents. I have childhood memories that I will carry with me throughout my lifetime. We played games, worked together, and enjoyed countless holidays together. Yet out of all of our family moments, I do not recall many of them that included reading. My parents wanted me to do well in school, as all parents want for their children, but learning together was not a part of our lifestyle.
When my wife and I had our older daughter, my wife and I both would often read to her. Once we had the triplets and life became more hectic, reading together as a family seemed like an impossible task. One particular night, when my boys were around three years old, they approached me right before bed time with a sweet little hard cover book in hand. The book had cute animals and starry skies on the cover.
“Where’s Mom? We want a bedtime story,” one boy inquired.
“She’s in the shower,” I replied. “But I can read to you.”
I held my hand out for the book.
“No, I don’t think so,” he said. “Mom reads the bed time stories.”
In that moment, I knew that I needed to make reading to my sons a priority. Even as young as the age of three, they were already connecting reading with something that mom did, and not dad. This thought resonated heavily with me. The next day, I headed to a local bookstore and purchased a stack of children’s books. That incident was the beginning of me altering my family history on fathers reading to their sons.
For me, I see three important results that happen when I read to my kids:
#1 My kids see me reading. Reading is NOT a “kid thing” or a “mom thing.” It is a EVERYONE thing. Good reading habits instilled in childhood lead to great reading comprehension and a love of books throughout a life time.
#2 We connect. Reading time is an excellent way for me to connect with my kids.
#3 We discuss. Did you know that kids’ books are great avenues of opening up discussions with our kids? Kids’ books have stories and themes, and we can use these to discuss topics of importance with our kids.
Reading with our kids doesn’t have to end when they get older. My older daughter often reads to me, or we choose a book and read a chapter at a time.
I’m partnering with Candlewick Press today to share about the importance of reading with Dad. For those searching for an awesome next book for quality reading time, look no farther than their selection of great titles.
My daughter has enjoyed Malamander, the first book in a trilogy. It combines humor with slight creepiness that keeps her coming back to each chapter without hesitation. With adventure, fantasy, shadowy villains, and mythological sea creatures, older elementary students are sure to be fascinated. If your child is a fan of Lemony Snicket or the Greenglass House series, check out Malamander. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
The sweet children’s book Just Because took me back to my childhood when I would ask my parents “Why?” incessantly. The author of the story playfully answers a daughter’s questions with more than a “just because.” The retro style art pairs well with the fantastical vibe of the text. This book is great for kids aged 4 to 8.
The entire family likes to join in on a Where’s Waldo hunt. Where’s Waldo Double Trouble at the Museum carries a twist on iconic Where’s Waldo books by challenging kids to not only find Waldo but look for the differences in two side-by-side photos, as well. The book is great for upcoming holiday road trips, but my kids enjoy working on a page before bed as a family. The recommended age range is 5 to 9, but even my wife and I like hunting for Waldo!
What are your favorite books for reading with Dad?
Oh yes, we HAVE to read to our little ones. It is so important for them to hear the stories in books.
I love to read and I credit my mom and dad (and my first-grade teacher)for that. My mom read to me more than my dad, but he did read to me too. It’s so important for kids to be read to and to see their parents reading.
I couldn’t agree more. My father passed when I was only 15 and I wish that I had more memories of him. Things like reading, but he was always working.
Awww…How sweet that they are spending quality time with dad. The Where’s Waldo books were always one of my favorites! My niece even dressed as Waldo for a Halloween party this year! lol
Yes, this is so important! I wish my husband had read more to the kids. His hours were crazy when they were small so he was rarely home. But I read to them!
Bravo to you for taking action to spend more time with your kids! You recognized an issue, and took to rectifying it. Bonding through reading is such an important for both parents and kids.
Moment like this is so precious to watch , spending time with kids through reading is priceless. I can’t wait to have this kind of bonding moment with our little one who is due this coming December.
My husband always read with my kids whenever he got a chance and now my son-in-law reads to my granddaughter every night. It’s so important for both parents to support a love for reading!
My Dad and I were talking about when he used to read to me when I was a child the other day. I definitely have fond memories of those times he spend with me.
This is definitely important! I love reading with my kids too. This will increase bonding and quality time with them and this will be a memory they will remember as they grow older.
I’m so glad that you decided to start reading with your sons! I don’t remember reading with my dad when I was young, but once I could read on my own, he spent a lot of time helping me pick out books. Both my husband and I read with our kids.
I love that you mentioned that reading isn’t just a “mom” thing. It’s good to make sure that dads also help encourage their kids to enjoy reading through story time. It’s definitely a good way to bond with the kids!
I love to read a lot but it’s been a while since I read a whole book. I don’t know where I inherited the love for books, though because my parents are not into books. 🙂 But this reminds me of the time my husband read books with my son. It was sweet.
I think this is so wonderful. Kids love it when parents read to them. My husband isn’t much of a reader himself, so it’s usually me who does the reading. My kids are more grown now too, and they read chapter books now.
Oh, I love this! Reading with little ones goes SUCH a long way in education, bonding, and imagination.
I agree with your thinking and I have seen it in practice in my own family. My daughter is a reader due to her dad!
Storytime is one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s probably my fault that my kids don’t read with their dad more often as I’m hoarding the time. But setting good habits and fostering a love for reading needs to come from both of us.
I can truly agree with this completely. Reading is indeed different and also effective when dad is around. Reading is fun to do with family.